Category: Kidney Health

Introduction

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) is also known as Fearnes syndrome. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), is the second most common type of infection occurring in the body and now- a-days, it is affecting millions of people each year. It involves infection of the kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra. Women are more prone to urinary tract infections as compared to men.

Normally, urine is free of microbes but contains fluids, salts and waste products. The main cause of infections in 90% of the uncomplicated infections is the infection by E.coli bacteria. An infection occurs at the opening of urethra.

Infections

Abnormalities of the urinary tract that hinder the flow of urine set the stage for an infection.

This infection is the second most common reason for the prescriptionof empirical antibiotics and is a major driver of antibiotic usage and antibiotic resistance.

Symptoms of Upper Urinary Tract Infection (Pyelonephritis):

High fever

Shaking chills

Nausea

Vomiting

Pain in the back or side, usually on only one side at waist level

Causes of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) According to Ayurveda

According to Ayurveda, UTI is caused due to the imbalance of Pitta dosha. Pitta in Ayurveda symbolises heat or fire. This aggravated Pitta produces heating toxins in the body. These toxins accumulate in the urinary channels and create an imbalance in the infection fighting properties of the urinary system which may lead to the bacterial growth in the system leading to bacterial growth in the system.

Major Factors That Aggravate the Pitta dosha and Contribute the UTIs are:

Drinking alcohol

Suppressing the urge to urinate

Habitually retaining urine for longer duration.

Emotions such as anger, jealousy.

Environmental factors such as fire, chemicals or toxic fumes

Not drinking enough water

Not maintaining personal hygiene.

Moreover, due to intake of hot, oily, spicy, sour, salty and bitter foods aggravate the condition.

There are many chemical drugs like antibiotics that work on the bacteria but these do not work on the root cause and as a result, infection often recurs. According to Ayurveda, these antibiotics further increase Pitta dosha in the body.

On the other hand, Ayurvedic natural remedies help in increasing theimmunity as well as pacify the Pitta dosha in the body and thereby give long-term relief to the patient.

Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections by Planet Ayurveda

Although modern treatment prescribes antibiotics for the treatment of UTIs, these infections can be easily treated with herbal remedies without causing any side effects.

Planet Ayurveda offers various herbal remedies for the treatment of Urinary Tract Infections.

These remedies are of 2 types:

Urinary anti-septic

Anti-adhesion herbs

Planet Ayurveda Offers UTI Care Pack which Includes:

Punarnava Capsules

Mutrakrichantak Churna

Varunadi Vati

Punarnava Capsules:

Punarnava Capsules are prepared from the herbal extract Boerhavia diffusa. These capsules are very helpful in the treatment of inflammation and also promote the health of urinary tract and also help in maintaining efficient kidney function.

These capsules possess diuretic properties and support the body’s ability to remove fluids.

It helps in maintaining normal kidney functions and maintains the health of urinary tract.

It possesses bitter, cooling and astringent properties and helps in balancing all the three doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

It is used in urinary bladder infections as well as in systemic edema.

Dose: 1-2 capsules twice daily.

Mutrakrichantak Churna:

Nature has given us various powerful herbs which are very effective for the urinary tract infections.

Mutrakrichantak Chruna by Planet Ayurveda is a blend of these natural herbs which can cure the infection without causing any side effects as it is a safe and effective combination of herbs used in Ayurveda since 5000 B.C. for various urinary complaints like urinary infections, kidney stones, high urea and creatinine levels, painful micturition.

It acts as a diuretic and considered as one of the best herbal remedies for all urinary tract infections.

Ingredients of Mutrakrichantak Churna

Sr. No.

Botanical Name

Common Name

Parts

Quantity

1.

Crateva nurvula

Varun

Roots

30 gm

2.

Boerhavia diffusa

Punarnava

Roots

30 gm

3.

Tribulus terrestris

Gokshur

Whole

30 gm

4.

Chicorium intybus

Kaasni

Leaves

30 gm

5.

Phyllanthus niruri

Bhumi amla

Whole

20 gm

6.

Albizzia lebbok

Shirish

Bark

20 gm

7.

Moringa oleifera

Shigru

Bark

20 gm

8.

Achyranthes aspera

Apamarg

Fruits/Seeds

10 gm

Dose: 1-2 teaspoonful twice daily.

Varunadi Vati:

Varunadi Vati is an Ayurvedic herbal product prepared from the herb Crataeva nurvula.

This tablet helps in reducing the chances of kidney stones and urinary tract infection.

It also helps in reducing the toxins accumulated due to insufficient kidneys.

This tablet helps in curing the urinary tract infections in a natural way without causing any side effects.

It is useful in dysuria and urinary retention. It balances all the three doshas in the body.

Dose: 2 tablets twice daily.

Diet in Urinary Tract Infections

Increase the intake of water. Drink at least 8-10 glasses every day as water helps in flushing out the toxins from the body.

Take cranberry juice regularly as it helps in flushing the bacteria from the urinary tract.

Drink pomegranate juice regularly as it is considered as an excellent purifying drink and also reduces proliferation of bacteria.

Include Pitta pacifying herbs in the diet such as red sandalwood, licorice extract, green cardamom in the diet.

The foods such as alcohol, caffeine, carbonated beverages, processed and refined foods, refined sugars should be avoided as these foods have an adverse effect on the bladder.

Take coconut water regularly in the diet as it is an excellent pitta pacifier.

Avoid working in the sun or in a hot atmosphere.

Take cold water bath 2-3 times a day with ½ teaspoon of powdered red sandalwood added.

Do You Know About Azotemia?

With growth of population the type and number of diseases are also increasing. One of them is Azotemia that is related to kidneys. It is a condition when kidneys are damaged and not working properly. The kidneys are important organ of our body that filters waste products out of blood. When kidneys got damage they are not able to remove waste products from blood. This disease is related to dysfunctional filtering of blood by kidneys when they are not able to remove nitrogen waste.

What are Types of Azotemia?

There are three types of azotemia mentioned below :-

1. Prerenal Azotemia

It occurs when fluid is not flowing enough through kidneys. When blood pressure to kidney is low, it causes high level of serum creatinine and urea. Prerenal type of azotemia is a most common and can be reversed.

2. Primary Renal Azotemia

It is an intrinsic disease that causes parenchymal kidney damage and leads to uremia. This type of azotemia causes kidney failure, acute tubular necrosis, glomerulonephritis or any kind of kidney disease.

3. Postrenal Azotemia

This condition causes blockage of urine flow in kidneys. The Postrenal azotemia is caused by congenital abnormalities like blockage of ureters by kidney stones, vesicoureteral reflux, uterus cancer andprostatic hyperplasia.

Sometimes, there is increased urine flow that can lead to hydronephrosis.

2. Primary Renal Azotemia

Vascular Disease: It causes blockage and damage to tissues present in blood vessels.

Medication: This type of azotemia may be caused due to nephrotoxins like cocaine, cyclosporine, antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

3. Postrenal Azotemia

The common causes of blockage in tubes is due to:

Urinary catheter

Enlarged prostate

Urinary crystals

Tumor

Signs And Symptoms of Azotemia

Fatigue

Decreased alertness

Confusion

Pale skin

Decreased or absent urine output

Thirst

Edema

Swelling

Rapid pulse

Dry mouth

Uremic frost

Nausea

Loss of appetite

Acute kidney injury

Loss of energy

What are Risk Factors for Azotemia?

There are several risk factors responsible for azotemia that includes :-

Heart failure

Diabetes mellitus

Renal insufficiency

Advanced age

Prolonged use of nephrotoxic drug

How is Azotemia Diagnosed?

For diagnosis of azotemia blood tests and urinalysis are done to monitor the functioning of kidneys. These tests include blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test, 24 hour urine collection test or creatinine test.

How is Azotemia Treated?

Ayurvedic treatment is a best way to cure Azotemia. As per Ayurveda, all three energies (vata, pitta and kapha) are imbalanced in azotemia. Planet Ayurveda offers various herbal remedies for Azotemia that provides effective results on symptoms associated with this disease.

Products description

1. Chandanadi Vati

This vati is used to balance pitta and kapha dosha in the body. Chandanadi vati is an effective remedy for curing dysuria, urinary infections, diabetes, in burning micturition, nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and its associated symptoms. It maintains metabolism, blood circulation and healthy digestion. The ingredients used for preparation of this vati are Safed Chandan(Santalum album), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Kapur (Cinnamomum camphora), Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) Choti Elaichi(Elettaria cardamomum) and Pasahnbhed(Bergenia ligulata) etc.

1. Amalaki (Emblica Officinalis)

It is commonly known as Amla or Indian gooseberry. This herb is richest source of Vitamin C. The herb has various health benefits due to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant and immune-modulatory properties.

2. Kapur (Cinnamomum Camphora)

The herb acts as coolant in nature and balance kapha dosha in the body. It is a very useful in relieving burning sensation and symptoms associated with azotemia.

3. Safed Chandan (Santalum Album)

This herb is commonly known sandalwood. It acts as coolant, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant andanalgesic. The herb treats burning sensation, itching, bladder inflammation, swelling, urethritis and other symptoms associated with azotemia. Safed chandan balance pitta dosha in body and show various therapeutic values.The main benefits of this vati are in haematuria, cystitis, kidney stones and dysuria.

Recommended Dosage:Two tablets twice daily with plain water after meals.

2. Chanderprabha Vati

Chanderprabha Vati is an Ayurvedic formulation used from ancient time for its therapeutic values. It helps to balance all three energies (vata, pitta and kapha) doshas in body. The formulation is used to treat urinary tract infections and other problems related to kidney diseases. Ingredients used for preparation of these tablets are Shilajit (Asphaltum), Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Mustak (Cyprus rotundus), Haridra (Curcuma longa) and Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) etc.

This vati shows calming effect on whole body.It is very beneficial for weakness, excessive urination, Burning urination, renal calculi and retention of urine.

Recommended Dosage:Two to three tablets twice daily with plain water after meals.

1. Bhumi amla (Phyllanthus Niruri)

This herb pacifies pitta and kapha dosha in the body. It helps to manage all the problems related to kidneys.

2. Punarnava (Boerrhavia Diffusa)

The herb acts as diuretic and manages painful micturition. It is a natural cleanser that remove toxins from body and manage symptoms associated with azotemia.

3. Kalmegh (Andrographis Paniculata)

This is a most common herb that increases blood cells count, boost-up immunity, manages digestive system and balances excess fluid absorption.

4. Revandchini (Rheum Emodi)

The herb consists considerable amount of minerals, vitamins, fiber, carbohydrates and fats etc. It is beneficial in removing toxins, waste products from kidneys and deals with associated symptoms of Azotemia.

5. Mooli satva (Raphanus Sativus)

This herb is full of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that rejuvenate immune system.

Recommended Dosage:One to two capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

4. Punarnava Capsules

Pure extract of herb Punarnava “Boerhavia diffusa” is used for preparation of Punarnava Capsules. The capsule acts as an excellent kidney tonic. Herb used possesses anti-inflammatory, analgesic, diuretic, antioxidant and carminative properties. It helps to balance kapha dosha in body. These capsules are helpful in kidney stones, swelling, fatigue, edema, acute kidney injury and decreased urine output conditions. The capsules show effective results in symptoms and problems associated with azotemia.

Recommended Dosage:One to two capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.